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We are Springfield Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Illinois critter problems. We service the greater Springfield region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 217-651-4516 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Menard County, Logan County, Macon County, Christian County, Montgomery County, Macoupin County, Morgan County, Cass County, and more. We also service Autumn, Leland Grove, Virden, Berlin, Dawson, Mechanicsburg, Sherman, Buffalo, Divernon, New Berlin, Southern View, Cantrall, Grandview, Pawnee, Spaulding, Chatham, Illiopolis, Pleasant Plains, Thayer, Clear Lake, Jerome, Riverton, Williamsville, Curran, Loami, Rochester, and more!

Springfield Wildlife Education: What size hole can a squirrel fit through

Squirrels are tiny creatures, meaning that the opening that they need in order to enter your home is minuscule. A squirrel only needs a hole of about 1½ inches in diameter. Due to their depleting habitat, squirrels are forced to find shelter during winter. This is typically found in the attics of houses. They are used to gnawing through wood, so your attic is no match for them. They can cause massive amounts of damage before they are discovered.

How do you know if you have squirrels in your attic?
Squirrels are tiny creatures that are not easily found if they don’t want to be. They can hide in even the smallest of spaces. There are some ways of identifying whether your visitor is a squirrel.
1. Squirrel feces. The droppings of squirrels closely resemble that of a bat. It is vital to obtain visual confirmation that you indeed have a squirrel as catching a bat would be much more problematic.
2. Damage to the outside of your home. Squirrels are able to fit through very small openings. You will need to inspect the façade of your home very carefully in order to ascertain where the squirrels are entering.
3. Odd noises. It is difficult to distinguish the noises made by various rodents. The sounds of a squirrel will closely resemble that of a rat or mouse.
4. Damage inside your attic. The damage caused by squirrels is more apparent on the inside of the house than on the outside. If you hear a noise in the attic you will need to investigate. Or contact someone to do it for you.
5. Squirrel footprints are easy to distinguish from that of other rodents. The front paws have four fingers and are slightly shorter than the hind paws which have five fingers.
6. If a squirrel has become trapped in your attic with no way out you may only discover it once you smell the decomposing carcass.

How to get rid of squirrels
Many critters are easy to get rid of by yourself. Squirrels do not fall into this category. It is incredibly difficult to get rid of squirrels that have nested in your home. You will need to phone a professional wildlife removal company to get rid of them for you. This will also give you peace of mind knowing all of the squirrels have been removed.

Keeping them out
Once you have made sure that the critters have been removed from your property you need to make sure that they do not return.
· Close even the smallest holes in the façade of your home.
· Remove any source of food that may have been attracting them to your house.
· Cut away the branches of trees that are too close to your home.
· Remove any objects that they can use to climb onto in order to gain access to your home. This includes garbage cans and large piles of wood.
· Make sure that there are no cracks in your foundation.

Previous Education Articles
About Springfield Groundhogs
What to do about a cage shy wild Springfield animal?
Are Springfield Fox's dangerous to pets?
Where do Springfield skunks live?